I guess you all endured your weekend without the Albion and hope it was spent doing something worthwhile.

The majority of the lads enjoyed a peaceful weekend, with most taking advantage to spend time with their families.

However, one member of staff who is known as Ken the Cash (our kit man) used his free Saturday to go and support the enemy. He was spotted bright and early at Worthing station, all kitted out in Palace gear looking like Fu Man Chu.

Now he tried to keep this quiet by bribing a few of the lads with new kit, but it has filtered through to me and I cannot be bought. So please do not hesitate to give him as much stick as possible.

As I mentioned last week, the break has given us a chance to take stock and gaze at the challenge ahead. Now the coming weeks, I'm sure, will be filled with a range of emotions but the rewards are great, as I honestly believe that if we can stay in this division and succeed in our goal, then it will be as great an achievement, if not bigger, than our championships. And I don't say that lightly, as they were fabulous and unforgettable accolades.

It's like we have 18 cup finals to achieve something special. What seemed impossible a short while ago is now a reality.

The squad has new belief and a confidence that defies our league position, but we must transfer this into points and climb the table.

We have managed to hold on to Graham Barrett and Bobby Z and, with the Yetty (Kitson) now fit, we have the fire power to envy anyone. It could be a roller coaster ride to rival any.

Tuesday saw us have a very competitive day with the squad splitting up into two teams for a Keep Ball and a ten-a-side game which turned into carnage. The Blues did remarkably well seeing as the Greens had three referees, with the only words The Ref (Bob Booker) uttering all morning being 'Green Ball'.

The game went into extra time or farce mode as it turned out. Bob 'Andy D'Urso' Booker lost all control of this volatile fixture as the Blues and myself in particular were given no protection whatsoever. And the game finally ended after the Greens took a 9-8 lead.

The highlight of the game was Bozzy throwing a tantrum, having been singled out for retribution by the Blues for being the softest member of the Green team. However, the comment of 'Eat Mud Trekkie Nerd' was a bit harsh.

Well, the Tamperer is back in town with a few of the lads' gear getting a right pillaging. And Shaun 'Black Gums' Wilkinson is now hiring himself out as a hitman to settle any vendettas.

This, however, seemed to backfire as, when I left the training ground on Tuesday, someone had sabotaged his car and made it look like Titchmarsh had done a bit of 'Ground Force' on the Delorian.

The Brazilian machine kept on rolling with a 2-1 win at Worthing's Bob Lee ground on Wednesday night and, although the conditions weren't conducive for Samba Beat footy, it was a hard fought game and one deservedly won.

The Speedboat McPhee got one, with The Yetty (Paul Kitson) getting the other. There was a little confusion early on though, as the referee asked the pieman to take off his blue T-shirt as Dodge kept hitting him with his channel balls.

The captain did improve, however, when he took off Paul Camillin's slip-ons and put his proper boots on.

Saturday February 1